Look, I’ll be the first to admit that last year was not my best. Between the emotional rollercoaster that was my dating life and the general chaos of, well, everything, my confidence took a bit of a nosedive. So, when February started looming on the calendar, and the thought of another Valentine’s Day spent binge-watching rom-coms with a tub of ice cream felt less than inspiring, I knew I needed to switch things up. Enter: the boudoir photoshoot.
I booked myself a steamy little session, not because I had anyone special to send the pics to (unless you count my entire Instagram feed), but because I needed a reminder that I’m sexy AF, dammit. But as excited as I was about channeling my inner vixen, the thought of actually posing half-naked in front of a camera had me spiraling. I had done a shoot like this four years ago, but after feeling insecure for a while, it felt pretty daunting. Luckily, I knew exactly who to call.
I’d shot with Tori Mumtaz before, and let me tell you, this woman is a magician behind the lens. Not only is she an insanely talented Pakistani-American photographer based in NYC, but she has this way of making you feel completely at ease, even when you’re in nothing but lace and a prayer. Tori just gets it — she brings your vision to life while somehow making you forget you’re barely clothed. I sat down with her to get all the deets on how to feel confident, comfortable, and sexy during a boudoir shoot, even if your last year was a hot mess.
What are your top three go-to poses for someone who’s never done a boudoir shoot before?
I like to start with the “big stretch,” where I ask my subjects to stand and stretch their arms above their head, elongating their body. I direct them to do variations on their arms in this pose and try rotating their hips in different directions. It’s simple, and it gets people to loosen up a little physically.
The second one is the lounge — reclining on an armchair or sofa. This is pretty standard, and it’s usually easy for people to relax and get playful with their poses and expressions.
And, of course, soft close-ups. I always do soft-focused close-ups of the hands lightly resting on the hip, on the lip, or on the lingerie. Often, these can feel the most romantic.
What’s your best advice for getting comfortable in front of the camera?
Many people feel nervous or self-conscious before a boudoir shoot. Before the shoot, try on some of the pieces you might want to wear for your photos and taking selfies in the mirror. Try a few poses and angles and observe how beautiful you are!
I also recommend creating a playlist for the shoot. Throw in some songs that make you feel sexy and feminine. It goes a long way to help the shoot feel fun and relaxed.
What should someone wear (or not wear) during a boudoir session?
Wear what you feel the most comfortable with! Whether that’s lingerie, a slip, a robe, or nothing at all! Be sure to try on your looks beforehand to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable. I would even recommend trying a few poses in the mirror just so you can see how they look with your lingerie. Lace and soft fabrics like silk or satin add a lot of lovely texture on camera. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel beautiful.
Are there any small adjustments — like angles or facial expressions — that can instantly make a pose more flattering?
Shifting your weight to one leg or turning slightly to the side, rather than facing the camera straight on, really helps showcase your curves. Using your hands is great — resting your arm on your hip or your shoulder accentuates your features.
A lot of poses benefit greatly from arching your back — usually a little more than you think you should! Your photographer will probably give you this direction a lot.
What’s a common mistake first-timers make during a boudoir shoot, and how can they avoid it?
First timers can be tense when we first begin shooting. Maintaining a relaxed feeling is essential — if you are feeling uncomfortable, it will show in the photos. It’s part of my job to help them relax and loosen up.
Just take a few deep breaths and try to relax your body and your expressions. Your photographer will guide you through the poses and expressions to help bring out your natural beauty.
How can someone communicate their vision or comfort level with their photographer to ensure they get photos they love?
I would say it’s important to select a photographer whose style matches the kind of photos you are looking for. Some people may prefer something more sharp, bold, or high contrast. Others may prefer a more soft, grainy, or filmy look to their photos. Choose someone whose work suits the style you are going for. Sharing a mood board or reference images that showcase poses, lighting, and edits you like with your photographer is super helpful!
I encourage clients to communicate very directly about their boundaries. Let the photographer know what you’re comfortable with, and they will work within your boundaries to get you beautiful images. Don’t be afraid to let the photographer know if you feel nervous about something!
